The 5 Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds

If you want to get a glimpse of the gorgeous English countryside, then you should definitely plan a trip to some of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. The latter is a cluster of villages in southwest England and they can be seen on easy day trips from London.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is beyond words pretty and it is one of the largest villages in the Cotswolds. The picturesque village is also known as Venice of the Cotswolds due to the fact that the River Windrush runs through it and there are many beautiful stone bridges crossing it.

Bibury

Tiny Bibury is the most photographed of all the Cotswolds villages. It is considered the most beautiful village in England and for good reason. A stroll along the super quaint Arlington Row and its picture-perfect cottages is enough to make you fall in love with Bibury.

Castle Combe

Castle Combe is one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds not only because of its incredible looks but also because it’s super easy to get to by London, Bristol, and other major cities. Castle Combe is a really romantic destination with honey-colored cottages and unbelievably cozy pubs.

The Slaughters

Lower and Upper Slaughter are two neighboring villages that seem as though they have sprung straight out of the pages of a fairy tale. Lower Slaughter is larger than its sister village Upper Slaughter. The best thing to see there is the village’s 19th-century flour mill which is now turned into a museum and coffee shop.

Upper Slaughter is less busy than Lower Slaughter and is one of the most picturesque villages in England. It is built on the banks of the River Eye and it is hands down one of the most Instagrammable places in the Cotswolds.

Burford

Burford is a beautiful town that feels a lot busier than all the other villages on our list. It’s home to a glorious High Street which is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and tea rooms that will most definitely keep you busy for quite some time so make sure you’re not in a hurry when you visit.

The most hassle-free way to visit the Cotswolds and take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside is to join a one-day fully guided tour from London.